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Although I thought RoTS had several moving moments, the one that affected me the most was Anakin overlooking the fire river of Mustafar, just after slaughtering the separatists. He's standing there, the camera zooms in and shows tears running down his face. I thought at that moment he truely realized what he had done, what he was becoming, and that there was no turning back. Him weeping for the companions that he betrayed showed he still had deep conflict over his descision. Padme was correct when she said there was still good in him.

What are the most powerful moments for you guys (OT included if you want)

I know when I watch the OT again much of the series will be viewed differently, especially the destruction of Alderaan and the fight between OB1 and Vader.

Oh, I know its posted elsewhere, but if you haven't yet you should check out the Darth Vader blog... ++http://darthside.blogspot.com/ The last several entries are superb (IMHO) and give a nice depiction of what Vader may have been thinking those last fateful days near Endor.

For the OT, it would have to be the scene where Yoda lifts the X-Wing. It's the Williams music that makes that scene really blow me the way - it still gives me goosebumps. The scene where Luke unmasks Darth Vader and says goodbye is also very powerful.

For the PT, easily, the best scene is with Obi-Wan's farewell to Anakin. It's so beautifully tragic.

When Darth Vader finally breaks through the fog of his submission to the Emperor and turns on his master, hurling him to his death at the cost of his own life. The moment when he picks him up, the lightning surges into him, and the music swells to a crescendo.

OT: I think that Anakin Skywalker's death is beautifully done. My favorite moment in the entire saga (a bit ahead of the Father revelation.)

PT: Hard to say, there were plenty of scenes from RotS that were very powerful (heck, even TPM had something with Qui-gon's death.) I'd have to say either unveiling of Vader (NOOOOOO! aside), the Purge, or the ending sequence especially the Tatooine/Alderaan moments. I think the last one might take the cake, because not only is it a bridge between the sagas and a sign that there is hope for the galaxy, it also has a darker significance, when you consider the fact that in the end, in the quest return light and freedom back to the galaxy, the people who nuture the two saviors from childhood end up getting killed for it. Powerful stuff.

I haven't seen ROTS yet so I will stick to the OT.

1) Han Solo descends into the carbonization chamber

I love everything about this scene. The music, the cinematagraphy and lighting, Vader's gestures, and even Leia's and Chewbacca's reactions. Everything contributes to the tension in the scene as Solo descends to his fate. Its one of the few scenes from Star Wars in which I feel cold inside and become tense. Vader's intimidation, ruthlessness and complete control of the situation becomes so apparant in the scene.


2) The camera wire pan into the Trench Run during Luke's approach

The most memorable shot from ANH to me, and the one that sparked my interest in Star Wars. Its a beautiful shot and one that I really developed a lot of respect for Lucas and Co as they hide the transition from painting to set with a subtle flash in the camera. (If you do not remember, its the approach shot to the Trench as flashes appear in the camera. The camera then tilts up level with the trench as the fighters begin their run.)

Its also the one scene from Star Wars in which I feel the most involved in the film. Watching the previous destruction of Red and Gold Gold squadrons only heightens the tension and excitement.

3) Vader's offer and revelation to Luke

Vader is probably my favorite on screen villian and this scene describes some of the reasons why. Throughout ESB, we see a slightly different version of Vader, His goals no longer include only the destruction of the Rebellion but now involve something more personal. His obsession with finding Skywalker as well as chasing the falcon really made me appreciate part of the complexness of his character as it goes slightly beyond just fighting the good guys because they are good. In this scene, I really appreciate the insight we get into his character as well as the change we see from a Sith Lord kneeling to his master to one recruiting his own apprentice to start his own empire. We learn a little about Vader's motivations throughout ESB, and to an extent, his motivations with regard to the Galatic Empire. To me at least, its the most powerful scene from the OT and the one that I will remember the most.

Edit: Sorry, I had to pick three! One was too hard.
Edit: Added a few nouns to make this post somewhat grammatically correct.

WHen Han Solo gets frozen. Very tragic and moving...

Darth Wong wrote:When Darth Vader finally breaks through the fog of his submission to the Emperor and turns on his master, hurling him to his death at the cost of his own life. The moment when he picks him up, the lightning surges into him, and the music swells to a crescendo.

I was very tempted to pick this as well. I love the shot of Vader as his glances back and forth. Such a great external visualization of the conflict that must be going through his mind.

For RotS, I would have to say Anakin's immolation. Obi Wan's voice is so full of emotion, you can see the hatred in Anakin's eyes, and when we see the stumps of Anakin's legs catch fire. God, the look of pain on his face and his screams of utter agony... I almost lost my composure.

As for the rest of the OT/PT I would say the following:

TPM
Hmm, this one is tough. I would say Qui Gon's death. I haven't really seen this movie in a while.

AotC
Definitely Shimi's death in Anakin's arms and the subsequent slaughter of the tuskin raiders. RotS was not the first time Anakin killed children. After seeing RotS, this scene becomes even more important, because it is the root of Anakin's fears for Padme's life.

ANH
Obi Wan's sacrifice. Obi realized that the life of Luke and his friend was more important, so he surrendered himself to the force. Again, after RotS this becomes a bigger scene, because we know that Vader has been itching to off his old master for the better part of two decades.

ESB
"No, I am your father" Nuff said.

RotJ
I will agree with Wong on this one. Vader/Anakin realizes that he can actually save his son, and by extension save a part of Padme. I feel that this is the first time in a long time when Anakin finally makes the right decision.

Now I can hardly wait to sit down and watch all six movies in one sitting!

In the PT when jar jar got is tounge stuck in the racing pod's lighting conduct... I cried like a bitch slapped orphan going back for seconds

in the ot when 3CPO got blasted apart. I didn't think he was coming back... J/k

Seriously though for the PT i think it was when Anakin and obi where fighting and they both tried to force push each other. The look of pain and anger on Anakins faces was incredible.

For the OT i would have to say when Obi wan was cut down by vader, i was very young when i saw and i liked Obi from the get go. Now that i have seen EP3 it holds even more power

I have to say Vader turning on Palpatine.

A close second would be the introduction to what the Force can do in Episode IV. Very simple, but very powerful. In the beginning of ANH, there's no outward display of the Force. Then an officer criticizes it as being an outdated religion. Vader lets him talk for a moment, raises his hand, and starts choking him from across the room. The deep rumble in the background while this is happening adds to it.

let's see

TPM: Qui-Gon death (there's not much choose from)
AOTC:the Arena battle or the Tusken Camp
ANH:destruction of the Death Star (liked Obi-wan's sacrifece as well)
TESB:Vader revelation
ROTJ:not me too, but Vader/Anakin killing Palpatine, you can see from he's look that death of Padme and Obi-wan's words in Mustafar are running thru His mind and he realize that not all is lost if he saves Luke.

Haminal10 wrote: AotC
Definitely Shimi's death in Anakin's arms and the subsequent slaughter of the tuskin raiders. RotS was not the first time Anakin killed children. After seeing RotS, this scene becomes even more important, because it is the root of Anakin's fears for Padme's life.

Definitely agree. Its a very chilling scene. The other scene I enjoy from AOTC are the cuts between Palpatine and his close supporters overlooking his new army, and the army and transports themselves. Ian McDiamrid has such a great expression. I also like how it serves as an early transition between Republic and Empire.

Dangermouse wrote: I was very tempted to pick this as well. I love the shot of Vader as his glances back and forth. Such a great external visualization of the conflict that must be going through his mind.

Those particular scenes are made even more powerful now that we see the full story of how Vader came into being.

Well, I guess let's start with the prequels. Each movie seemed to me to have several key moments, so I'll just pick a few, and then tell which one was the most to me.

TPM- Anakin leaving his mother, then turning back to her one last time.
The lightsabres being ignited through the gas filled room on the Trade Fed ship. Talk about showing you exactly what you were in store for.

AotC- Anakin yelling at Zam when she won't answer their questions on who sent her to kill Amidala.
The look on Dooku's face after he cuts Anakin's arm off and shoves him away. To me it seems almost like regret, but he soon falls easily back into the dark side.

RotS- Anakin looking up at Palpatine telling him that Obi Wans fate will be the same as thiers.
The absolute horror on Anakin's face when he sees Obi Wan standing on the ships ramp.

ANH- Vader walking onto the Tantive IV.
Luke staring out at the twin sunset.
Once again, Luke seeing the charred remains of Owen and Beru. The moment that pushes him on his path, to fullful his destiny.

ESB- Obvious here, I love you. I know.
and No, I am your father.

RotJ- The revelation of the Skywalker twins as told by Obi Wan to Luke.
Luke telling the Emperor he had failed, that he was indeed a Jedi.
Several Vader moments from here on out, especially the funeral Pyre.

The most powerful, now, to me, is Obi-Wan looking down at the now amputee Anakin with the most heart wrenching look. Yelling out, 'You were the chosen one!" "You were a brother. I loved you." and Anakin looking at him like he could shoot incinerating bolts out of his eyes, telling him he hated him just before being consumed by fire. That is the moment I have waited for since they announced the PT. I knew that would be the biggest moment.

There are so many for me. And now that I've seen ROTS, there are certain things in the other movies that have a whole new signifigance. Yoda warning Luke not to underestimate the Emperor, The Obi vs Vader fight in ANH, Qui-Gon's skepticism of the Jedi Order, The relationship between Vader and Palpatine, etc, etc, etc.

Vader's offer to Luke to rule the Galaxy by his side takes a whole new meaning as well. He wasn't able to convince Padmé, but he see's a whole new opportunity in Luke. Hell, I'll never look at the OT Vader in the same way ever again.

TPM: Anakin leaving his mother. Without a doubt. The rage on Obi-Wan's face after Qui-Gon is downed was also good.


AOTC: Anakin's mother dying, and the slaughter that follows. Anakin wanting to go back to save Padmé is also up there.


ROTS: It's a hard choice. There are just so many. I'd have to say Anakin's fall on Mustafar and the following exhange between him and Obi-Wan. This scene almost brought me to tears. The scenes of the Jedi being slayed after Order 66 is given is a close second.


ANH: Luke looking at the remains of his Aunt and Uncle. The scene that finally pushes him to fullfill his destiny. Sorry to parrot you on that part Cal, but you put it so well.


TESB: I am your Fathter. 'Nuff said.


ROTJ: Vader trying to choose between the Emperor and his son and finally destroying the Emperor. This is tied with the whole demasking of Vader scene.

Vader in Jedi, as Luke gets zapped.

TPM: Qui-Gon getting cut down by Darth Maul. You can see it coming just before it happens and have a moment to realize that he's a dead man.

AOTC: Shmi's death was badly done. I almost laughed. The clones showing up to save the day and the boarding the Acclamator's at the martialing field are the most powerful scenes for me. Seeing the instruments of the destruction of the Jedi and the Republic coming to the rescue and knowing what is to come gives these scenes real power.

ANH: The blasted sandcrawler, when Luke realizes the stormtroopers may have tracked the droids home.

EMP: Luke, I am your father and Han Solo getting frozen.

ROTJ: Darth Vader turning on the Emperor

I really love the part at the very end of ROTJ where he's watching his father burn and turns to see Yoda, Obi-Wan, and Anakin standing together, old friends with past differences let go... the look of pride on Anakin's face that his son has done what he could not...

While it may not be the best of the moments of ROTS, I think something that is definitely worthy of mention is Anakin's choice during the Windu Palpy fight. It was almost an exact mirrror of the choice he made later in ROTJ. He had to choose between dark and light for that first time, and it just adds resonance to the decision in ROTJ. Hell, as part of the ROTJ sequence, we can probably infer that Vader was reflecting upon his earlier choice in ROTS just as much as the fate of Luke. They compliment each other very well.

AOTC: Shmi's death was badly done. I almost laughed.

Bwaaaa?
I thought it was one of the best parts. What was badly done about it?

Darth Wong wrote:When Darth Vader finally breaks through the fog of his submission to the Emperor and turns on his master, hurling him to his death at the cost of his own life. The moment when he picks him up, the lightning surges into him, and the music swells to a crescendo.

Heck yeah. The way he lunges at him, it's a really awesome shot.

(I treat "powerful moment" as a seperate criterion from my all time favorite Star Wars shot, which is the three AT-ATs firing on Rebel troopers after they start retreating).

Pure Sabacc wrote: Bwaaaa?
I thought it was one of the best parts. What was badly done about it?

For me at least, it seemed over the top and not very realistic. However, immediately following her death in which Anakin goes on a rage and murders the Tusken raiders right up until the scene wipe was fairly powerful for me.

Dangermouse wrote:

Pure Sabacc wrote: Bwaaaa?
I thought it was one of the best parts. What was badly done about it?

For me at least, it seemed over the top and not very realistic. However, immediately following her death in which Anakin goes on a rage and murders the Tusken raiders right up until the scene wipe was fairly powerful for me.

She was stricken with pain from torture and delirious from water deprivation. She held on to life long enough for her son to find her, and then died in his arms. I thought it was prefectly good. Still, with all the stuff out there to argue about I'm not going to make a big deal out of this.

[Cop-out]To each his own, to each his own.[/Cop-out]

When Vader turns on the Emperor, but not that precise moment. Just before Vader lunges forward to pick up the Emperor, you see a shot up close of his helmet, and the blue glow of the Sith Lightning reflecting off his mask. Despite the mask's inability to emote you can imagine the intensity of what Vader must have been feeling.

I've also found new meaning in the moment just before that, when Luke overpowers Vader and severs his mechanical hand.
Vader must have realized that the situation was a perfect mirror to when he stood over the helpless Dooku, as Palpatine watched on and egged him to kill his defeated foe.. and what Anakin must have felt when, unlike him, Luke refused to do it.

TPM - The lull in the duel where Qui-Gon and Maul are separated by a force field. Qui-Gon medetates, and Maul just stands there, looking angry. But the moment the sheild drops Qui Gon springs to action. Just struck me as a wonderful contrast between the two sides of the force.

AOTC - Yoda ignites his lightsaber. Holy crap that grabbed me by the balls.

RotS - And the helmet goes on Vader. The shot from Anakin's perspective, seeing what Vader sees simply sent a chill down my spine. And that first breath as Vader...

ANH - The final moments down the trench up to the destruction of the Death Star. The score, the pace, its all perfect.

ESB - The final escape from Cloud City. Our heroes one victory through this film is surviving. Another case of wonderful sociring and pacing make this my favorite action sequence form the trilogy. Helps that its that loveable garbage can, R2 that saves their hides.

RotJ - Luke goes beserk. Vader finally pushes the right button on Luke to almost tip him to the dark side. And the realization Luke has when he sees what he's done.